This Is The Biggest Problem Streaming Services Need To Solve

While cable and traditional TV aren't dead yet, they are certainly dying. Netflix ensured some time ago that streaming was going to be the future, but the pandemic accelerated that trend and consumers now have to choose between any number of streaming services any time they flip on their device of choice, including Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Peacock, Max, and even niche services like the horror-focused Shudder. Not only that, but viewers then have to navigate the seemingly endless sea of options within each service. It's become truly overwhelming. This is a core problem with streaming as it currently exists, and it simply must be addressed.

It used to be that one would flip on the TV, do a little channel surfing, and land on something that was already programmed by any number of channels already being paid for. Yes, there was still choice involved, but it wasn't starting from scratch. Netflix and the other streamers employ algorithms to help taper homepages to a viewer's specific wants, but algorithms are imperfect. These streamers also want to prioritize their own homegrown shows and movies. As a result, just finding something you're interested in watching on any given day can be a daunting task rather than a way to unwind.

Some things are being done to help ease the strain on the wallets of consumers, such as the recent trend of streaming bundles. This has, in essence, just emulated what we had with cable, only worse. One of the ways it's worse is that we are all now faced with the burden of choice, having to navigate seas of content to find something to watch every single time we turn on our TV (or tablet, laptop, or even phone). Watching TV shouldn't be this hard. But what can be done about it?

It's on the Netflixs and the Hulus of the world find a way to make it easier for people to find something to watch without endless amounts of scrolling. That's admittedly easier said than done, and if I had the answer to the problem at hand, I'd probably be a wealthy man. I instead come before you as someone understanding the issue, sympathizing with my fellow viewers, and offering a few imperfect solutions for the time being.

The first thing that viewers should do if they wish to emulate the experience of cable without paying for it is to make friends with Pluto TV, the free live TV streaming service owned by Paramount. The service contains hundreds of curated channels, from a 24/7 "Godzilla" channel to endless reruns of "Tosh.0." It is an excellent option for those who just miss the days of turning on the TV to see what's on.

Unfortunately, the "human powered discovery" engine on HBO Max — before it just became Max — never really panned out. So we're left to figure this all out ourselves. Another good option might be to make a list of movies or TV shows that interest you. Whenever you find yourself in scroll mode, open up that list and pull something from it. It's a little bit of extra legwork, but it does at least solve the "aimless wandering" part of the problem. Or if you're like me, having a shelf full of physical media also helps limit the endlessness of it all. Pulling something from your own collection does, at times, make things easier than wasting hours clicking through an infinite void.

I spoke more about this with /Film editor Ben Pearson on today's episode of the /Film Daily podcast, which you can listen to below:

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